POLICE have issued a warning over the many different guises stalkers can take – and to recognise the signs.

About 55 per cent of stalking victims who contact the National Stalking Helpline are stalked by an ex-intimate partner and 96 per cent of stalking victims know their stalker in some capacity; many have dated, married or been a friend with a stalker.

North Yorkshire Police shares the different types of stalkers to help victims, and their friends and family, recognise the signs:

The rejected stalker: this scenario will often arise following the breakdown of a close relationship.

The resentful stalker: this arises when the stalker feels as though they have been mistreated or that they are the victim of some form of injustice or humiliation. Victims are usually strangers or acquaintances who are seen to have mistreated the stalker.

The intimacy seeking stalker: this form of stalking arises out of a context of loneliness. Victims are usually strangers or acquaintances who become the target of the stalker’s desire for a relationship. The stalker may have delusional beliefs about the victim, such as the belief that they are already in a relationship.

The incompetent suitor: they stalk out of loneliness or lust and targets strangers or acquaintances.

The predatory stalker: usually male and victims are usually female strangers in whom the stalker develops a sexual interest.

  • Help and support for people affected by harassment and stalking is on northyorkshire.police.uk/stalking; National Stalking Helpline: 0808-802-0300; Paladin National Advocacy Service: 0203-866-4107.